Watercraft with selectively retractable and stowable propulsion device

ABSTRACT

A watercraft includes a hull having a hull bottom with an opening and a trunk surrounding the opening. The watercraft also includes a propulsion device pivotally mounted to a portion of the hull other than the trunk. The propulsion device can include a transmission and a propeller on an end of the transmission, and can be movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. In the deployed position, the transmission extends through the trunk and through the opening such that the propeller is positioned below the hull bottom. In the onboard stowed position, no portion of the transmission or the propeller is located within the trunk or below the hull bottom.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Design patent application 29/289,992, filed Aug. 9, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to watercraft, and more particularly relates to a personal watercraft that includes a selectively retractable and stowable propulsion device.

BACKGROUND

People use personal watercraft such as kayaks and canoes for recreational activities. Modern versions of such watercraft often include hulls constructed of plastics or composite materials that are relatively strong, tough, and lightweight. When constructed of a plastic material such as polyethylene, the hulls of such watercraft can be formed using modern molding processes, including rotational molding. Such molding processes can yield a plastic hull having a relatively complex shape in a single piece.

Because modern kayaks and canoes are relatively inexpensive, environmentally inert, and relatively easy to operate and maneuver, such watercraft can be useful for fishing, bird-watching, sight seeing, and the like. A traditional kayak or canoe, however, must be manually propelled using a paddle or oars. When a person is fishing in a kayak or canoe, handling a paddle or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling a fishing rod or other fishing gear. Similarly, when a person is bird-watching or sight seeing in a kayak or canoe, handling paddles or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling binoculars, maps, guidebooks, and the like. In addition, even when a paddle or oars are not being used by a paddler, having a paddle or oars onboard can sometimes interfere with the person's non-paddling activities.

Accordingly, there is a need for a recreational watercraft that is easy to operate and maneuver, and that does not require a paddle or oars. Preferably, such a watercraft can be operated by a person in a manner that permits the person to safely perform another activity with one or both hands. Accordingly, there is a need for a watercraft with an alternative propulsion device that can be operated with one hand or no hands. Such a propulsion device should be easy to operate, and should be selectively removable from a watercraft. Preferably, such a propulsion device should be capable of being stored onboard a watercraft when not in use such that the device does not interfere with a person's onboard activities, such as fishing, or the like.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention includes a watercraft with a hull having a hull bottom with an opening therethrough, and a trunk surrounding the opening. The watercraft also includes a propulsion device pivotally mounted to a portion of the hull other than the trunk. The propulsion device can include a transmission and a propeller on an end of the transmission, and can be movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. In the deployed position, the transmission extends through the trunk and through the opening such that the propeller is positioned below the hull bottom. In the onboard stowed position, no portion of the transmission or the propeller is located within the trunk or below the hull bottom.

In another embodiment of the invention, a watercraft includes a hull including a bottom, a first side wall, and an opposed second side wall, the bottom and first and second sidewalls defining an occupant compartment. The watercraft also includes an upright trunk surrounding an opening in the hull bottom, the trunk being located within the occupant compartment and including an open top. The watercraft further includes a propulsion device having an elongated transmission with a propeller proximate to a first end and a support arm proximate to an opposed second end, and a pivot shaft connected to the support arm. The pivot arm can be pivotally disposed between the first and second sidewalls such that the propulsion device is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. In the deployed position, the transmission downwardly extends through the trunk and through the opening in the hull bottom such that the propeller is positioned beneath the hull bottom. In the stowed position, the propulsion device is located forward of the trunk and substantially within the occupant compartment.

In another embodiment, a watercraft includes a hull having a bottom with an opening and an upright trunk surrounding the opening. A propulsion device having a transmission and a propeller operably connected to an end of the transmission, can be removably connected to the hull such that the motor propulsion device is movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. The transmission can downwardly extend through the trunk and through the hull opening and the propeller can be located below the hull bottom when the propulsion device is in the deployed position, and no portion of the propulsion device is within the trunk when the propulsion device is in the onboard stowed position. The propulsion device is operable to be selectively moved between the deployed position and the onboard stowed position without disconnecting the propulsion device from the hull.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a watercraft according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the hull broken away and a retractable pedal propulsion device in a deployed operating position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the pedal propulsion device in a first partially retracted position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-3 with the pedal propulsion device in a first stowed position.

FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-4 with the pedal propulsion device in a second stowed position.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the propeller portion of the pedal propulsion device in the second stowed position shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-5B with the pedal propulsion device in a deployed operating position.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-6 with the pedal propulsion device in the first stowed position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-7 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pedal propulsion device for use in the watercraft shown in FIGS. 1-8.

FIGS. 10A-10C are elevation views of a pedal propulsion device like that shown in FIG. 9 with an alignment lever for aligning the propeller before retracting the pedal propulsion device from a watercraft.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a watercraft according to the invention with a portion of the hull broken away and a retractable motor propulsion device in a deployed operating position.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation the watercraft shown in FIG. 11 with the motor propulsion device in a first stowed position.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 with the motor propulsion device in a deployed operating position.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 11-13 with the motor propulsion device in the first stowed position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hull trunk portion of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 11-14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGS. 11-15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of a pedal-powered watercraft 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-10C. As shown in FIG. 1, the watercraft 10 includes a hull 12 having a bow 11 and a stern 19, and opposed sidewalls 16, 18 extending between the bow 11 and stern 19. Opposed side rails 13, 15 extend along the upper edges of the respective sidewalls 16, 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the hull 12 also includes a bottom 17. The hull bottom 17 and opposed sidewalls 16, 18 form an occupant compartment 14. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 52 in the hull bottom 17 is surrounded by an upwardly extending trunk 50. The trunk 50 surrounds a cavity 59 that extends from the opening 52 in the hull bottom 17 to the open top end 54 of the trunk 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the top end 54 of the trunk 50 is positioned above the waterline “W-W” such that water will not normally enter the watercraft 10 through the cavity 59 when the watercraft 10 is afloat. Preferably, the opening 52 and the trunk 50 are located along the longitudinal centerline of the hull 12, and are positioned at or slightly forward of a midpoint between the bow 11 and the stern 19. In one embodiment, the hull 12 can be constructed in a single piece of molded plastic, or the like. The open top end 52 of the trunk 50 can be selectively covered by a removable cap 60. The cap 60 substantially inhibits water from splashing through the cavity 59 and into the occupant compartment 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the watercraft 10 can include a pedal propulsion device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the pedal propulsion device 20 can include an elongated transmission 21 that downwardly extends through the trunk 50 and cavity 59. In this arrangement, the transmission 21 downwardly extends from the pedals 24 to a propeller 27. The pedals 24 generally are positioned above the trunk 50, and the propeller 27 is positioned below the waterline “W-W” and below the hull bottom 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the pedal propulsion device 20 can include an arm 23 that extends between the transmission 21 and a pivot shaft 25. As described below, the pivot shaft 25 can be removably and pivotally connected to the hull 12 such that the pedal propulsion device can pivot between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. A seat 30 can be located within the compartment 14 such that a person in the seat 30 can rotate the pedals 24 of the propulsion device 20 with his or her feet. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the seat 30 is positioned just aft of the trunk 50.

As described in detail below, rotation of the pedals 24 in a first direction causes the propeller 27 to rotate in a first direction and to drive the watercraft 10 in a forward direction. Conversely, rotation of the pedals 24 in an opposite second direction causes the propeller 27 to rotate in an opposite second direction, and to drive the watercraft 10 in an aft or reverse direction. A person can steer the watercraft 10 while pedaling by selectively adjusting the angle of a steerable rudder 40 of a type known in the art like that shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a deflector plate 22 can be provided on the pedal propulsion device 20 to inhibit propeller-agitated water from entering the cavity 59 and entering the watercraft's compartment 14 through the cavity 59.

Retraction and onboard stowage of the pedal propulsion device 20 is described with reference to FIGS. 3-5B. In FIG. 3, the pedal propulsion device 20 device is rotated partially upward about the pivot shaft 25. As shown in FIG. 3, the trunk 50 and cavity 59 are sized and arranged to permit the propeller 27 and transmission 21 to pass through the cavity 59 as the pedal propulsion device 20 pivots upwardly about the pivot shaft 25. As shown in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 7, the pedal propulsion device 20 can further rotate until the device rests upon a forward portion of the watercraft 10 (such as on a forward portion of the hull bottom 17). In this forward onboard stowed position, no portion of the pedal propulsion device 20 resides within the trunk 50, and portions of the occupant compartment 14 immediately forward of the seat 30 are no longer obstructed by the device 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the elongated arm 23 causes the entire pedal propulsion device 20 to be positioned forward of the trunk 50 and the seat 30. Accordingly, a person seated in the seat 30 can fish, row, or perform other onboard activities without substantial interference by the pedal propulsion device 20 when the device 20 is in the forward stowed position. The pedal propulsion device 20 can be returned to the deployed position from the forward stowed position by rearwardly and downwardly rotating the device 20 to the position shown in FIG. 2.

A second onboard stowed position is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this position, the propeller end of the transmission 21 rests atop the removable cap 60 atop the trunk 50. In this position, the propeller 27 is positioned immediately forward of the seat 30. Accordingly, a person in the seat 30 can conveniently access the propeller 27 for removing foreign matter from a fowled propeller 27, for repair, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5B, the cap 60 can include a recessed tray portion 64. The recessed tray portion 64 provides a receptacle for the propeller end of the transmission 21 in the second stowed position, and also can be used to contain small loose items such as tools, fishing gear, and the like in a convenient location proximate to the seat 30. As also shown in FIG. 5B, one or more hooks 58 can be provided on the trunk 50 and one or more corresponding resilient loops 57 can be provided on the cap 50 for releasably securing the cap 60 to the trunk 50. The cap 60 can include an opening 62 such that the cap 60 can be assembled on the trunk 50 and about the transmission 21 when the transmission 21 of the pedal propulsion device 20 extends through the trunk 50 in its deployed position.

As shown in FIG. 6, the trunk 50 and pedal propulsion device 20 are preferably positioned along the longitudinal centerline of the hull 12. When so positioned, rotation of the propeller 27 propels the watercraft 10 in a substantially straight line unless the watercraft's direction is selectively altered by the rudder 40. Accordingly, a person can pedal the watercraft 10 in a forward or aft direction using only his or her feet, thus leaving the person's hands free for other activities, such as fishing, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pivot shaft 25 can be removably and pivotably mounted between the side rails 13, 15 that extend along the top edges of the opposed side walls 16, 18 of the hull 12. For example, the ends of the pivot shaft 25 can be rotatably received in laterally opposed openings 31, 37 in the respective side rails 13, 15, and can be retained in the openings 31, 37 by one or more resilient detents 33, 35 located near each end of the shaft 25. To remove the shaft 25 from the openings 31, 35 and permit removal of the pedal propulsion device 20 from the hull 12, the detents 33, 35 can be depressed such that the shaft 25 can laterally translate in the openings 31, 35, thus permitting the ends of the shaft 25 to be pulled from the openings 31, 35. In addition, when the hull 12 is constructed of flexible plastic, the rails 13, 15 and side walls 16, 18 can be sufficiently flexible to permit the rails 13, 15 to be deflected away from the ends of the pivot shaft 25, thus freeing the shaft 25 from the hull 12. As also shown in FIG. 8, a tab 26 can be provided on the transmission 21 at a point that corresponds to the top 54 of the trunk 50 when the pedal propulsion device 20 is in its deployed position. In addition, the cap 60 can include a lip 69 that overlaps the tab 26 when the cap 60 is assembled atop the trunk 50, thus helping to hold the transmission 21 in a downwardly depending deployed position within the trunk 50.

Details of one embodiment of a pedal propulsion device 20 are shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the pedals 24 are connected to a drive gear 71 that is rotatably disposed within a housing 29. The drive gear 71 includes teeth that matingly engage gear teeth 73 on a first end of a rotatably supported drive shaft 75. A transmission gear 77 on an opposite end of the drive shaft 75 engages a mating gear on a propeller shaft 79. The drive shaft 75 and propeller shaft 79 can be disposed at right angles to each other, or at substantially any other angle. Rotation of the pedals 24 and drive gear 71 causes rotation of the drive shaft 75, which in turn, causes rotation of the propeller shaft 79 and propeller 27. The pedals 24 can be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thus permitting the propeller 27 to be driven in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, the pedal propulsion device 20 can be used to propel a watercraft in either a forward direction or an aft direction.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a propeller alignment lever 80 for use in aligning the propeller 27 before lifting the propeller 27 and transmission 21 through the trunk 50 when pivoting the pedal propulsion unit 20 to an onboard stowage position. Because the propeller 27 can have a length “L” that is longer than the width of an associated trunk 50, it may be necessary to position the propeller 27 in a substantially vertical position to permit the propeller 27 to pass through the narrow trunk 50. As shown in FIG. 10A, the propeller alignment lever 80 can be pivotally mounted to the deflector plate 22 positioned above and proximate to the propeller 27. The propeller alignment lever 80 can include a stop portion 83, and an actuator portion 82. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the actuator portion is moved toward the transmission 21, the stop portion 83 is positioned along the rotational path of the tips of the propeller 27. As shown in FIG. 10C, when the stop portion 83 extends into the path of the propeller 27 and the pedals 24 are rotated sufficiently to cause one tip of the rotated propeller 27′ to contact the stop portion 83, the propeller 27′ (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 10C) is vertically oriented. In this position, the propeller 27′ is least likely to interfere with its passage through the narrow trunk 50 of a hull 12 as the pedal propulsion device 20 is retracted from the trunk 50. The propeller alignment lever 80 provides a method for vertically aligning the propeller 27 without the need for a person to extend their hand down through the trunk 50 and into the water below.

A second embodiment of a watercraft 100 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 11-16. In this embodiment, the watercraft 100 includes a motor propulsion device 120. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the watercraft 100 also includes a hull 112 having a bow 111 and a stern 119, and opposed sidewalls 116, 118 extending between the bow 111 and stern 119. Opposed side rails 113, 115 extend along the upper edges of the respective sidewalls 116, 118. The hull 112 also includes a bottom 117. The hull bottom 117 and opposed sidewalls 116, 118 form an occupant compartment 114. An opening 152 in the hull bottom 117 is surrounded by an upwardly extending trunk 150. The trunk 150 surrounds a cavity 159 that extends from the opening 152 in the hull bottom 117 to the open top end 154 of the trunk 150. Preferably, the opening 152 and trunk 150 are located along the longitudinal centerline of the hull 112, and are positioned at or slightly forward of a midpoint between the bow 111 and the stern 119. As shown in FIG. 11, the top end 154 of the trunk 150 is positioned above the waterline “W-W” such that water will not normally enter the watercraft 100 through the cavity 159 when the watercraft 100 is afloat. The open top end 152 of the trunk 150 can be selectively covered by a removable cap 160. In one embodiment, the hull 112 can be constructed in a single piece of molded plastic, or the like. The hull 112 can be identical or substantially similar to the hull 12 described above.

A motor propulsion device 120 includes a motor 129, a control handle 124, a transmission 121, and a propeller 127. Preferably, the motor 129 is an electric motor, though the motor can also be a gasoline engine or another type of engine or motor. When the motor 129 is an electric motor, a battery 201 can be stowed behind the seat 130 as shown in FIG. 11 or in another suitable onboard location, and connected to the motor 29 with wires (not shown in the figures). The motor propulsion device 120 can be pivotally mounted to the hull 112 by an arm 123 and a pivot shaft 125. Like the pedal propulsion device described above, the pivot shaft 125 can be pivotally mounted between the opposed rails 113, 115 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the deployed position shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the transmission 121 downwardly extends through the cavity 159 in the trunk 150 such that the propeller 127 is positioned below the hull bottom 117 and below the waterline “W-W”. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the motor propulsion device 120 can be pivoted upward and forward until the device 120 rests upon a forward portion of the hull 112, such as on the hull bottom 117, for example. In this forward stowed position, preferably no portion of the motor propulsion device 120 remains within the trunk cavity 159. The arm 123 permits the motor propulsion device 120 to extend well forward of the trunk 150 and seat 130 when the device 120 is in the forward stowed position. Accordingly, a person in the seat 130 can fish, row or perform other onboard activities without substantial interference by the motor propulsion device 120 when the device 120 is in the forward stowed position. The motor propulsion device 120 can be returned to the deployed position from the forward stowed position by rearwardly and downwardly rotating the device 120 to the position shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a removable cap 160 can cover the trunk 150 when the motor propulsion device 120 is in either the deployed position (FIG. 11) or the forward stowed position (FIG. 12). The cap 160 substantially prevents water from entering the watercraft 100 through the trunk 150. As shown in FIG. 15, the removable cap 160 can include an opening 162 that permits the motor propulsion device 120 to extend through the trunk 50. The cap 160 also can include a recessed tray portion 164. One or more resilient cords or straps 157 on the cap 160 can be engaged with one or more hooks 158 on the trunk 150 to removably secure the cap 160 atop the trunk 150. Like the pedal propulsion device 20 described above and shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the propeller end of the transmission 121 of the motor propulsion device 120 can be rested atop the cap 160 and trunk 150 when removing fowling materials from the propeller 127 or otherwise servicing the propeller 127.

As shown in FIG. 15, the transmission 121 can be rotatably attached to the arm 123 by a bracket 122. As also shown in FIG. 15, a control handle 124 rearwardly extends from the deployed motor propulsion device 120 toward the seat 130. The control handle 124 can include a speed control of a type commonly employed in electric trolling motors for selectively controlling the speed of the motor 129. Unlike conventional trolling motors, the control handle 124 is preferably located on the same side of the motor propulsion device 120 as the propeller 127. Accordingly, the control handle 12 can be used by an operator seated behind the trunk 150 to selectively rotate the motor 129, transmission 121 and propeller 127 in order to steer the watercraft 100 in a desired direction. The motor 129 also can include a forward/reverse switch of a type commonly employed in electric trolling motors to permit the motor propulsion device 120 to be used to selectively propel the watercraft 100 in either a forward direction or a reverse direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the propeller 127 preferably can be rotated such that the direction of the propeller's thrust “T” is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft 100. When the watercraft includes a rudder 140, the rudder 140 also can be positioned at a right angle to the longitudinal centerline of the watercraft 100 such that the turned propeller's sideward thrust “T” propels the watercraft in a sideway direction “S.” Accordingly, the motor propulsion device 120 can be used to propel the watercraft 100 in substantially any direction.

As can be seen by comparing the pedal propulsion device 20 and the motor propulsion device 120 described above, the two devices 20, 120 can be configured to be used interchangeably in the same watercraft hull 12, 112. For example, the trunks 50, 150 of the hulls 12, 112 can be sized to removably receive either the pedal propulsion device 20 or the motor propulsion device 120. In addition, the portions of the propulsion devices 20, 120 that directly interface with the hull 12, 112 can be sized and configured to permit installation in either hull 12 or hull 112, and/or the hulls 12, 112 can be identically constructed, if desired.

The watercraft 10, 100 described above can be used for fishing, bird-watching, and other watercraft activities, and are especially suited for activities that require use of one or both hands. The hulls 12, 112 can be highly maneuverable and can have shallow drafts like conventional paddled kayaks and canoes, but the centrally-mounted propulsion devices 20, 120 eliminate the need for sometimes cumbersome paddles or oars. In addition, the propulsion devices 20, 120 free an occupant's hand or hands for use even as the watercraft 10, 100 are being propelled, turned or repositioned. Also, the propulsion devices 20, 120 can be quickly and easily stowed out of the way in a remote portion of the watercraft 10, 100 when onboard activities require additional space or increased freedom of movement, such as when an occupant prefers to paddle the watercraft 10, 100, for example.

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the invention are intended to highlight and illustrate various features and aspects of the invention, and not to limit the invention thereto. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that certain changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. All such changes and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A watercraft comprising: (a) a hull having a hull bottom with an opening therethrough and a trunk surrounding the opening; and (b) a propulsion device pivotally mounted to a portion of the hull other than the trunk, the propulsion device comprising a transmission and a propeller on an end of the transmission, the propulsion device being movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position; (c) wherein in the deployed position, the transmission extends through the trunk and through the opening such that the propeller is positioned below the hull bottom; and (d) wherein in the onboard stowed position, no portion of the transmission or the propeller is located within the trunk or below the hull bottom.
 2. A watercraft according to claim 1 wherein the propulsion device includes foot pedals operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 3. A watercraft according to claim 1 wherein the propulsion device includes a motor operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 4. A watercraft according to claim 1 wherein all portions of the propulsion device are located forward of the trunk when the propulsion device is in the onboard stowed position.
 5. A watercraft according to claim 1 and further comprising a seat proximate to the trunk.
 6. A watercraft according to claim 1 wherein the hull further comprises opposed first and second side walls, and wherein the propulsion device is pivotally connected to the opposed first and second side walls.
 7. A watercraft according to claim 6 wherein the propulsion device further comprises an arm and a shaft connected to the arm, the shaft being pivotally connected between the first and second side walls.
 8. A watercraft comprising: (a) a hull comprising a bottom, a first side wall, and an opposed second side wall, the bottom and first and second sidewalls defining an occupant compartment; (b) an upright trunk surrounding an opening in the hull bottom, the trunk being located within the occupant compartment and including an open top; and (c) a propulsion device comprising an elongated transmission having a propeller proximate to a first end and a support arm proximate to an opposed second end, and a pivot shaft connected to the support arm, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally disposed between the first and second sidewalls such that the propulsion device is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; (d) wherein in the deployed position, the transmission downwardly extends through the trunk and through the opening in the hull bottom such that the propeller is positioned beneath the hull bottom; and (e) wherein in the stowed position, the propulsion device is located forward of the trunk and substantially within the occupant compartment.
 9. A watercraft according to claim 8 and further comprising a seat in the occupant compartment aft of the trunk, the propulsion device being configured to be operated by a person seated in the seat.
 10. A watercraft according to claim 8 wherein the propulsion device includes foot pedals operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 11. A watercraft according to claim 8 wherein the propulsion device includes a motor operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 12. A watercraft according to claim 8 and further comprising a rudder.
 13. A watercraft according to claim 8 wherein the propulsion device further comprises a deflector plate, the deflector plate being at least partially disposed within the trunk when the propulsion device is in the deployed position.
 14. A watercraft according to claim 8 wherein the propulsion device is selectively operable to propel the watercraft in a forward direction and in a reverse direction.
 15. A watercraft according to claim 8 further comprising a cap removably covering the open top of the trunk.
 16. A watercraft according to claim 15 wherein the propulsion device is movable to a service position wherein the propeller end of the transmission rests atop the cap when the cap covers the open top of the trunk, and the propeller is positioned proximate to the trunk.
 17. A watercraft comprising: (a) a hull having a bottom with an opening and an upright trunk surrounding the opening; (b) a propulsion device having a transmission and a propeller operably connected to an end of the transmission, the motor propulsion device being removably connected to the hull such that the motor propulsion device is movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position, wherein the transmission downwardly extends through the trunk and through the hull opening and the propeller is located below the hull bottom when the propulsion device is in the deployed position, and wherein no portion of the propulsion device is within the trunk when the propulsion device is in the onboard stowed position; (c) wherein the motor propulsion device is operable to be selectively moved between the deployed position and the onboard stowed position without disconnecting the propulsion device from the hull.
 18. A watercraft according to claim 17 wherein the all portions of the propulsion device are located forward of the trunk when the propulsion device is in the onboard stowed position.
 19. A watercraft according to claim 17 further comprising a seat positioned aft of the trunk.
 20. A watercraft according to claim 17 further comprising foot pedals operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 21. A watercraft according to claim 17 further comprising a motor operably connected to the transmission and the propeller.
 22. A watercraft according to claim 21 wherein the motor comprises an electric motor. 